Tip of the day

Small supermarkets in Gran Canaria's resorts are great for buying water and cold beer, but they are expensive if you use them to buy food.
For an island with 80 beaches, there aren't many spots in the resorts where you can eat this close to the beach and the sea.
There are mosquitos in Gran Canaria but they are rare in the resorts and don't carry any infectious diseases. Here's what to do to avoid the pests.
Cigarette prices in Gran Canaria are still amongst the cheapest in Europe and it is almost always cheaper to buy them in a supermarket or local shop than in the airport duty-free.
Everyone who visits Puerto Rico knows the giant Puerto Rico shopping centre and the Europa Centre high up on west hill. However, there's a third Puerto Rico centre and it's home to a cluster of good restaurants.
As southeast Asia food fans, it is to our shame and discredit that Casa Ari opened three years ago and we've only just told you about it.
Las Buenas Pulgas is as close as you get to British pub atmosphere by the beach in Las Palmas.
The Hoyos de Bandama winery is the only winery in the Monte area of northeast Gran Canaria that is open to walk-ins, but you do need to book in advance for a full winery tour and tasting session. 
The annual sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach is the world's biggest and a must visit if you come to Las Palmas in December.
The neo-Canarian visitor centre at the top of the Pico de Bandama volcano hides a secret from Spain's time as a military dictatorship.
Thousands of people turn out to watch the ARC Rally, the world's largest transoceanic rally, leave Las Palmas at the end of November. Here's where you need to go for the best views.
Las Nasas restaurant on the beachfront at Puerto de las Nieves has a stunning terrace and a huge artwork by the Canary Islands' most famous living artist.
Most Gran Canaria museums and galleries are open for free on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, and on Canarian Day on May 30. 
To shop for clothes in Gran Canaria on a Sunday, head up to Las Palmas (between October and April).
Tipping in Gran Canaria and all over the Canary Islands is straightforward and the rules are the same for locals and tourists.
The vast Parque del Sur urban park in Maspalomas Campo Internacional is a huge green space perfect for walking and jogging.
If Anfi beach is busy or you just want to swim in cool, deep water, then walk out onto the heart-shaped island and you’ll find a set of steps and a safe swimming area just next to the ferry dock.
Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card. Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting…
The Catholic church rather than the local tourist authorities still decides when to open church doors in Gran Canaria. This means that some of the island's prettiest churches, such as the Puerto de las Nieves hermitage, are often closed during the day.
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Tip of the day

  • How To Choose A Legal Gran Canaria Airport Transfer
    How To Choose A Legal Gran Canaria Airport Transfer

    Gran Canaria's hotels have to be licensed and offer a quality level of service as well as having insurance and complying with fire regulations. The same goes for the boats that take people out to watch dolphins, the companies offering jeep safaris, and even the holiday let apartments. 

    However, not everybody in Gran Canaria follows the rules. For example, there is a significant industry running illegal and uninsured transfers between Gran Canaria airport and the island's resorts. These cars, driven by locals and foreign-residents, are just private vehicles and the drivers are unregulated and uninsured. They don't pay tax and there is no way to hold them responsible if something goes wrong. 

     At Gran Canaria Info we believe that all people and all companies offering services to tourists should legal and above board.

    So, how do you know that your airport transfer service is legal and registered with the Gran Canaria authorities?

     Using legal Gran Canaria airport transfers

    It is quite easy to know if your airport transfer service is operating in a legal way because all registered transfers have the following...

     A blue license plate: Taxis and other public service vehicles in Gran Canaria all have blue plates.

    A VTC sticker in the window: This stands for Vehículo de Transporte con Conductor, the official designation for licensed transfer drivers ans chauffeurs.

    An SP sticker on the car: This indicates that the car offer a Servicio Publico or public service and is therefore allowed to pick up and transfer members of the public. 

    Parked in the transport zone: Official airport transfer vehicles don't park in the public car park of the airport. Instead they have their own parking zone right by the arrivals gates at the airport (next to the taxis and package tour buses). Your transfer driver therefore should not have to pay a parking fee before leaving the aiport. 

    How to spot an unlicensed transfer service

    Unlicensed drivers get away with offerring their service because they claim that they are just members of the public picking up a friend. They are allowed to stand at arrivals with a sign (just like any member of the public can).

    However, they also have to park their car in the public car park and will walk you there with your luggage, stopping to pay the parking fee at the meter. A licensed transfer driver does not need to do this because they have their own parking zone right by arrivals.

    Some unlicensed drivers don't even wait at the arrival gate because the official drivers recognise them and get annoyed. Instead they have to stand further away (often by the Spar supermarket or the car rental desks). 

    When an unlicensed driver drops you at the airport they will not want to be paid in a public area because this proves that they are charging rather than "transporting a friend" for free. 

    An unlicensed car will not have a blue license plate, or a SP or VTC sticker, and will often look like a private car (because it is a private car). 

    What's the problem with unlicensed airport transfers?

    Some people use unlicensed cars because they are the cheapest option and don't realise that they are unlicensed. 

    There are several problems with unlicensed services. The most obvious is that they are uninsured so if something goes wrong or there is an accident, you are not protected. The price that unlicensed drivers offer is only low because they cut corners (hopefully not literally). You have no way of even knowing if your unlicensed driver has a Spanish driving license, insurance and a good driving record. Licensed drivers are vetted regularly and must be fully insured and licensed to work.

    Another problem is that unlicensed transfers undermine the legitimate transfer drivers and businesses in Gran Canaria. Local drivers make a living from transfers and offer a legal, regulated service with minimum standards. Every time an unlicensed service undercuts them, it is effectively stealing from local people and the island economy.

    We believe that everybody in Gran Canaria deserves better!

    Gran Canaria Airport Transfer Services

    To find out more about the Gran Canaria airport transfer, see our Gran Canaria airport transfer article which explains the three different models; man/woman from pub with car, online transfer websites, and local transfer services.

    Or you can book a legitimate Gran Canaria airport transfer at a great price right here. Our service uses local drivers and supprts the island economy because all the money you spend stays in Gran Canaria.

    Alex Says: Using our service also helps the Gran Canaria Info team to keep providing quality local information here and in our Facebook Group

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